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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Lilium, the leading German manufacturer of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The agreement aims to support the development of a regulatory framework for advanced aerial mobility in Saudi Arabia. It was signed on the sidelines of GACA’s participation in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, held from July 22–26 at Farnborough Airport in the United Kingdom.

This memorandum strengthens GACA’s collaboration with global aviation leaders to enable the adoption of advanced aerial mobility applications in the Kingdom. It aligns with the Authority’s ongoing efforts to establish clear regulations and frameworks that promote growth in this sector while ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and passenger protection.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, stated that the agreement reflects GACA’s commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions, in line with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

He added that through partnerships with leading global aircraft manufacturers, GACA seeks to develop a robust regulatory environment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of VTOL aircraft and advanced air mobility systems.

Al-Duailej further emphasized that this collaboration is part of the broader aviation sector strategy and supports initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental preservation. He noted that Saudi Group recently signed a purchase agreement with Lilium for up to 100 electric aircraft—including 50 confirmed and 50 optional units—offering unprecedented connectivity solutions during Hajj and Umrah seasons. These aircraft will also enable faster access for visitors to major sporting, entertainment, and tourism events, and help connect the Kingdom’s mega projects through premium aerial services that meet future expectations.

GACA has already launched a comprehensive national roadmap for advanced air mobility, in collaboration with multiple international partners. This roadmap sets the foundation for safe and efficient operations of new air mobility technologies and focuses on integrating VTOL aircraft into the existing aviation infrastructure and broader transportation ecosystem.

Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, stated that the agreement confirms Lilium’s commitment to contributing to the development of advanced air mobility regulations in Saudi Arabia. He added, “Our goal is to help shape both the regulatory and operational foundations needed to begin electric aviation operations for our customers in the Kingdom.”

Roewe noted that the agreement provides one of the essential building blocks for launching electric flight operations successfully, outlining a clear path for the regulatory steps ahead.

This partnership highlights GACA’s ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in advanced air mobility solutions. It follows several successful aerial mobility trials, including a historic air taxi demonstration in June 2024 during Hajj season in Makkah. That trial, conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Transport and Logistics Services, Hajj and Umrah, Interior, and the company Front End Limited, featured the EH216-S electric VTOL drone aircraft.

In 2023, another successful air taxi trial was conducted in NEOM using aircraft developed by Volocopter, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to safely integrating these technologies by hosting a wide range of tests and demonstrations in partnership with leading international aircraft manufacturers.